A/N: Welcome to Souls of Fire! Intelligence stat, what's that?
I apologize for the slow arrival time of chapters, been studying and finishing finals. Big shout out to my supporters! :D
theawesomess1, Thunderwolf, Blazepanzer24, Azure, ItsJustCrow, and John904? Your reviews have been amazing, thanks a ton!
RecklessGirl56 and Dagaz (along with the gracious folks above) thanks for your favorites and follows!
Enjoy!
The soft soil bounced under our feet, the cave opening as we crept down. Above us hung a tangled chandelier of roots. Some were as thin as spaghetti, others as thick as oaks! I heard the scribbling of Lisbeth's notebook, documenting the sights for sure.
Along the ground, several mushrooms sprouted. Glowing brightly, the pale green fungi lit the dry dungeon floor. Boulders jutted out from several nooks and crannies, some from the walls, others from the ground.
Unlike the surface, the soil was rigid, hardened by the lack of moisture. Abandoning the warmth and safety of the sun, light's absence took over.
"Keep your eyes peeled," Klein exclaimed, "there're web pits along the floor of this dungeon."
Looking around, various of the aforementioned holes laid along the ground. Some were as small as a shoe box, others as wide as a hot tub. While the holes themselves lacked depth, the webs would no doubt serve as a snare. Last thing I needed was to get pinned...
Lisbeth looked at these traps with discomfort, couldn't blame her either! Slowing to her pace, I placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked up, smiling as my hand felt her iron pauldrons.
"We've got this," I assured her.
Just as I glanced away, however, I was shoved! I gasped, plummeting right into one of the nets below. My arms and legs stuck like magnets to the sticky surfaces, gripping me unwillingly to the web!
"Lis!" I decried, "what the he-"
"Shh," she coaxed, "just observing. Try breaking out of that without tools."
God, that woman. Dunking me in ponds, then giant spider webs!? At least the reasoning was sound. I tugged at my binds, growling as i pulled at the webs that held me in place!
"It's usually best to cut it," Klein sighed, "getting out of them normally is pretty-"
The web tore, my physique ripping the snare like fabric! Ha, true dedication to strength has aided me once again!
"...hard," Klein blinked.
"Interesting," Rika wrote down, "Garr? How easy would you say that was?"
"Easy enough," I shrugged, "but being the 7th strongest guy in Aincrad helps. I wouldn't bet my life on it."
"Seems reasonable," she nodded before hugging me, "thank you."
Seventh strongest...probably eighth in reality. One day, I'll be number one. At the top of the rankings sat Heathcliff, the strongest man in Aincrad. One day, I will best him. Until then, two sessions of the [Strength Training] mini-game a day would suffice.
Returning to the path, Klein drew a wakizashi. A single handed version of the overrated Japanese blade. Lacking the length of a traditional katana, it exchanged for lighter weight. From its sheath, he took a stance while marching forward.
"Garr," Klein waved, "your weapon would be most useful to us on the front."
"Wouldn't wanna hit you guys," I looked.
"Don't worry," Klein laughed, "Since parties can't hurt each other, there's no need to fear collateral damage."
"Ha," I replied strongly, "More room to bruise then!"
I glanced back to Rika. Paper and quill vanished, replaced with mace and buckler.
"Remember," I whispered, "if you get trapped, call me or use the axe."
She nodded, pulling up her [Falling Buffe].
The plates slid from her neck, hiding everything below the bridge of her nose behind an armored face mask. Despite having more armor than the rest of us, she honestly looked afraid. Maybe it was just the fear of being trapped?
Putting on my close helmet, my vision was reduced. Such heavy head protection was rare, most players building AGI stats. Me though? I liked the premise of shielding my dome!
Wait, what made enemies in video games replaceable again?
Seconds after, the game system cleared the helmet's obstruction, enabling normal vision.
We crossed into the next room, a field of root, rock and grit widening. Measuring roughly the same length as a football field, the walls were lined with several holes. Pillars of massive tree roots reached the floor, providing cover in the open spaces.
Some large tarantulas patrolled the area, their black and yellow fur bodies contrasted sharply from the light brown. Hissing to each other softly, their red unblinking eyes searched for prey.
Klein motioned towards one of our squad mates, ushering the spearman left. Nodding me to get ready, he waved to move forward. I heaved Ironback over my shoulder, readying my grip. The thick five and a half foot sword clanked, the [Ultra Greatsword] ready to deploy.
The eight legged freaks paused, hairs perking. Think they heard me. Klein held up a hand, motioning us to stop.
"Thax," Klein whispered, "got a line?"
"Yep," the archer sighed, "just gimmie a sec...readying a [Power Shot]."
I glanced back to Rika. Keeping her buckler close to her chest, she kept looking back at the web pits. Hated putting her through this, would prefer her comfortable.
"Firing," Thax warned, the string of his bow stretching hard.
An arrow was flung, ripping through the air with a loud crack, the missile flying with a bright red glow!
Striking a tarantula, the round punched through its skull like cardboard, sending ichor flying in all directions! The vermin exploded, his comrade raising two legs, alerted by our presence! A loud hiss was heard, followed by others.
The sounds grew louder, coming from all sides! As if hatched by the Earth itself, tarantulas burst from the walls, leaking like water to meet us. First arose a couple dozen, then half a hundred, they kept pouring out like a broken dam!
Their numbers grew, the very walls darkening with their hairy bodies. A legion of arachnids amassed before us, their brightly colored eyes glowing, emotionless and starving.
Holy mother of Christ, how many spiders were there?! I couldn't even see where one spider ended and the other began, it was a sea of bugs. I grimaced, bending my knees as their limbs groaned, their bristly hairs perking.
"Alright guys!" shouted Klein, "Same as usual! Move up!"
Without further word, the men closest to me lunged. Charging beside them, I readied my weapon, feeling its weight bounce on my shoulder. I wasn't sure of myself, I mean there had to be a few hundred of them, but I had to keep moving!
Tightening my grip on Ironback, I broke away from my allies by several feet. My attack range was far, a major plus against such large beasts.
The many legged cretins stepped back, raising their front legs as we advanced! Each of them had to be the size of a fully grown man, baring fangs as long as steak knives, dripping with venom.
Klein leaped forward, slamming his Katana through one like a spear! The spider's head cracked like an egg, scattering ichor all over him. Prying the weapon free, he activated his next Sword Skill.
Another spider to his left jumped to counter, Klein slashed across, sweeping it aside without mercy!
Limbs flew, the arachnid exploding with the loss of two legs! The line of web spinners fell in range. Ironback lowered, the [Ultra Greatsword] rung softly as its tip dropped to my side.
I turned, readying a [Cleave]! I aimed for the beasts encircling Klein's flank. My arms bulged, the weapon's great weight demanding strength as I swerved!
Ironback flew out, my body jamming to the side as the mass met its first bystander. I felt my arms shaking with the first impact, the air whirring past my face. I gritted my teeth, feeling the pole sized blade crash against flesh.
The [Ultra Greatsword] tore my opponent to pieces, its frontal half severed with a single blow! My body shivered, the spectacle of violence overpowering me. Thing was, the sword hadn't slowed down!
The second spider it hit went airborne with a resounding bang! Soaring through, the beast struck a wall hanging boulder mid flight!
The spider fell, followed by a crisp snap. My body pitched, the blade crashing to the ichor stained Earth. I tripped, Ironback practically yanking me aside from its own weight!
Gasping, the blade wobbled, dust flying as it slammed! Just as the swing stopped, another spider jumped me from the right! Pivoting, I wrestled the blade back, glaring at my assailant.
It was an effort in vain. Knocking me over, it swiftly jumped on top. The spider bit down, glancing me in the chest with its knife sized teeth! The sharp tips glided against my iron cuirass, screeching along like nails on a chalkboard!
Groaning, I jammed the sword sideways, blocking the bug's fangs! The creature shrieked as it shoved back, its blackened hooks dripping on my arms.
This was nothing, just another bench press! My chest flexed, lifting the yellow striped arachnid off with ease! It shrieked, trying to force itself down.
"Garr!"
Lisbeth leaped in, crashing her mace down, judgement from above! Shattering the back, the creature detonated, freeing me from its clutches. Yelling, the warrior smith spun with a two hit Mace Skill, crashing the club of iron against others as I rose!
Spiders shrieked, leaping back in fear of her rage, but it was too late! The bludgeon crippled a leg, slowing its movement, Rika had him. Finishing the spin, she sent the hammer crashing up, the arachnid flipping away with a loud crunch.
I shot back up to my feet, nodding to her in thanks. The field had become a mad dance, a wordless exchange of acts! Klein and his men struck from the right, changing between targets!
"Artillery!" Klein shouted.
Not a second after, arrows rained from the ceiling above, pelting the ground around us with heads of iron. The horde as a whole shrieked, the missile wave striking many in a storm of bolts!
"Yea!" I screamed, watching spiders die by the dozens! Swerving, I watched Lisbeth's flank, fire bursting in my gut.
Another bug charged, reaching out to her from behind! Leaning, I slammed Ironback's pommel forward, letting the mass send it back!
The blunt end of the handle bashed against its face, the beast recoiling from the punch. It turned on me, angered by my rejection. As it jumped forward, I rose Ironback for a [Down Chop]!
The heavy blade came crashing down, my body plummeting with it! The moment it made contact, all I heard was a sharp squish. The edge cut through, the tarantula splitting at the seams.
The blade stopped with a loud clang, striking rocks on its way past my foe. Cut down its mid-section, the hostile spider vanished into blue.
"Did you just hit rocks again?!" Rika shouted.
"Maybe?!" I yelled back.
"Dammit Garr! Gonna make you fix that!"
I laughed, covering each other's backs as the horde descended.
"Got three!" she shouted.
I turned to engage! Packed in a tight space, three spiders lined up, sectioned out by my partner. I grinned, diving for another [Cleave]!
They were once the size of men, not so much after the sword struck. The brutality of Ironback sent me reeling in bliss, sending my foes in chunks by nothing more than sheer brute force!
Recovering the downed blade, another charged my right, this time digging its fangs straight into my thigh!
I yelled, the natural daggers carving through muscle and flesh like butter! The burn felt unreal, the scissors bobbing wildly in the cut. My HP bar flashed, I've been poisoned!
My HP dropped past 80%, dripping like a leaky faucet. Rika slammed the bastard off me with a hard knee. The dust of the dry dirt scattered, forming small clouds as our feet rustled along the ground.
"Garr!" Klein, "get down! They're firing!"
Just as he announced this, I heard strange sounds. Looking up, I spotted multiple white spheres flung towards us. Balls of web came hailing down, sticking to any surface possible!
Lis squealed, raising her buckler over her head in defense!
One flew down, splattering all over my helmet's visor! Rendering me blind, I shouted, scratching away, trying to rip the web off! Useless, it just wouldn't come off.
I threw my helmet off, restoring my vision as the helmet bounced away!
Just as I tossed it aside, another much larger spider charged. Body slamming me, I gasped as I flew back, nearly striking a wall! Rolling several feet back, the metal armor on my shins squeaked as it scraped against small rocks.
"Garr!" Lis shouted, busy fighting off her own pack.
The bull sized spider growled, charging me again as I struggled back up. Jeez, it felt like I got hit by a slow moving car.
Just before it reached me, Klein leaped in! Riding the oversized spider, he sent a downward Sword Skill, sending his wakizashi straight past the face! The sharp blade met flesh, slicing like it didn't exist!
Digging right between its many eyes, its brain was split, the very air cut! The monstrous spider clumsily came to a stop. It scraped along the crusted Earth, grinding to a halt inches away from my feet.
I stared with wonder as Klein casually hopped off. Jeez, what a badass!
"You can thank me later," he barked, "let's move!"
I smiled, watching return him to the fray. I dashed back in, looking for Lis! I swept aside another pair of beasts, their stomachs torn apart like paper bags. The resounding snap of her mace against bone was loud and clear, she held them back just fine.
Rolling to her rear, I kicked an approaching flanker! The strength training paid off, knocking the massive arachnid to its backside, flailing wildly. Another charged the left, only to be silenced by a downward slam!
The others stabbed, slashed, and snapped their way through the herd. Working together, Klein's spearmen would stick the largest of minions in the stomach, letting the others hack it to death.
Spiders poured out further from the walls, reinforcing their brethren in the slaughter.
"Lis!" I turned, "we gotta back Klein up, they've got heavies!"
Lis nodded, racing towards our comrades.
Joining alongside Klein, I watched him strike through two spiders with a clean sweep. As he stopped I jumped left, unleashing [Cleave] upon the scum who flanked! I felt the crash of three bodies, their limbs and chunks scattering like freshly cut weeds. I felt my injuries heal, the blessing of [Ares] upon me.
Lis jumped to the right, only to be met with the challenge of a car sized foe!
It must've startled her, she fell back quickly, too fast. She tripped, falling on her back, continuing to scoot away! The titanic arachnid lunged, raising one of its legs to crush the blacksmith!
I had to help her! Lunging in, I watched as she swung her buckler, the metal shield reflecting the light of the mushrooms.
The spider's limb was slapped aside, causing the creature to stumble! Stomping beside her, I threw out a [Mass Driver], punching Ironback through!
The stab scored a decent wound, but something unusual occurred. The monster flashed a bright yellow, a big [Critical Hit!] icon appearing! The spider stepped back, Lisbeth racing back to her feet.
"Thanks!" she nodded, turning back to the giant before us.
The ten foot tall spider hissed, raising both limbs to attack! I jumped left, waving Ironback to distract. Following the sword, the beast swiped, the hairy limb swooping past my face!
Dashing in, Rika readied another strike! Widening her stance, she swung in a diagonal sweep, aimed right for its back.
The behemoth buckled, wounded further by the strike! Down to half HP, it swerved to attack!
Just as it turned, I swept with a [Cleave] of my own!
Solid hit, the creature's legs coming undone! Shattering to pieces, it settled that dispute.
I charged further, screaming at the horde! A [Down Chop] for one, the sword jammed through the first. Letting the sword go, I swerved right with a left [Hook]!
My fist glowed yellow, crashing into the eye sockets of another wretched bug!
It teetered back from the force, one of its eyes popped like a balloon! My heart raced with the rush, turning back left as I kicked a third!
Rending the sword from the ground, I pivoted! Another [Cleave] came forth, the ichor spraying all over my face, burning as it spilled on my eyes. I cheered, gritting my teeth as I shut my burning eye closed.
Another spider jumped my left, digging its teeth into my arm! Hollering, I threw it back.
The poison numbed as it ran down my arm. I bared my teeth, incensed by the setback. I threw the sword back and forth, chopping and slashing through droves more of their many legged comrades!
Just as I swerved for my next victim, I was knocked to the ground with a hard push. My face slammed against stone riddled dirt.
Coughing, I flailed to free myself. A pair of fangs dug into my spine as I wrestled! As the sharp incisors struck bone, their sharp edge scraped along. I screamed, tears pouring from my eyes. I felt the fangs leave, a cloud of blue frags encompassed me!
"Garr," Lisbeth shouted, "you okay!?"
Helping me up, she helped lead me further! This was absolute madness. The spider blood, the clash of steel, the roar of dying beasts, it was pure chaos! The awful pain in my back burned!
Chopping through half a dozen more, Klein waved me to the right. The others lined up, forcing the arachnids further back! One jumped for his left flank, I slammed it to his wakizashi. The skewered beast shrieked, its painful cries rung out throughout the cave.
As the beasts numbers diminished, they grew more desperate. Another volley of web flew from the back, raining down like mortars from above! One slammed Lis in the foot, sticking her in place. Planted, a party of four converged on her position.
"Garr!" I heard her scream, "help!"
I swerved like a speeding car, hacking down two of her assailants as they lunged! Flying forward from the swing, I kicked the closest spider to her. The thick boot slammed the beast back several feet, causing it to roll away.
The remaining spiders were crushed under a Fuurinkazan spear. I nodded to my comrade, prying Lis' boot from the decaying web ball. I checked for any others, patting her when I found none.
Looking back, I raced to grab my helmet. Slamming it back on, I raced back to join my team! While slow, I reached my team in relatively short order. My HP dipped below 65%, the poison still dragging me down. As the horde was parsed out, I lunged for the largest I could find!
One spider met my challenge! Well over the size of a pickup truck, the beast let off a low snarl as I charged! Raising its front legs, it threw them forward. The hairy spines along its arms brushed by, the muscly limbs grazing my legs and shoulders.
I swung Ironback for a [Down Chop], watching as the blade cut deep into the thorax.
The beast buckled, its massive frame shaking from the hit! As ichor spilled, my wounds healed, restoring me over 80%.
Swinging wildly, the beast caught me with a solid punch to the shoulder! Teetering to the side, I lost my balance from the force.
The car sized spider wasted no time, tackling me straight into a wall!
Slammed between a dense predator and a stony wall, I felt my ribs bend! Gasping, I rolled to the ground as it jumped back. Breathing haggardly, I shook my head, trying to snap out of it!
Rising back to my feet, I was body slammed again! The metal of my armor made a dull thud as it crashed into the wall. I winced, feeling the air shoved out my lungs!
As it backed up, I kicked it square in the eye!
"Screw you," I groaned weakly.
Throwing myself forward, I tiredly threw another [Cleave] for its face. The furthest tip struck its head, tearing its eyes out with a smooth motion! Blinded, the massive creature flailed its arms wildly. Its suffering was swiftly ended.
A loud pop came, the result of a [Down Chop]. The crack left in its skull was as wide as my fist! I glanced around, my HP back to a stable 70%.
Seeing only Lis and Klein's group, I smiled, we drove them all back! With the horde routed, it left the next room open for travel. I shouldered Ironback, feeling my own chest buckle from the weight.
Souls of Fire
Rika was quick to inspect, checking me for injury. Her mace was holstered, bobbing softly at her hip.
"You're hurt," she lowered her iron face mask.
"Only a little," I assured as I removed my helmet, "You okay?"
"Mm," Lis sighed, "just a bit tired."
"That's fine," I smiled, "was one hell of a fight."
I looked back to Klein, "How much further do we have to go?"
"Not much," Klein pointed his katana to the next tunnel, "couple of small rooms, then we'll fight the Queen."
I nodded, looking back to my blacksmith. I could tell she wasn't exactly ready, she brushed her bangs aside tiredly. Gazing at me with softened eyes, it wasn't the time to fight.
The next tunnel led deeper, further from the surface world's warmth. I couldn't leave her there, she needed a break.
"Can you guys handle the next few rooms?" I looked to the others, "gonna take a break."
"Yea," Klein thumbed up, "but we'll have to come get ya, Garr. The room closes during the boss fight aaand we would appreciate heavy weaponry."
"I'll be there," I asserted, coaxing Lisbeth to take a seat.
As the others moved on, I looked back to her. Sitting down, she checked on Ironback. Examining the edge and body, she nodded with some approval.
"Impressive," she smiled lightly, "not a single scratch. Durability's definitely its strong suit...besides hitting like a damn car."
"Man," I chuckled, "I should let you swing this sometime. Every swing feels like a hurricane!"
"I should," she nudged, "do you like it?"
"I'm very happy with this Lis," I beamed at her, "very proud to wield this."
"I'm glad," she bowed her head softly, "I just had an idea too."
"Hm?" I questioned.
"Wouldn't it be a good idea to train with each other's weapons?" she asked, "me learning how to use your weapons, vice versa?"
"That actually sounds pretty practical," I nodded, "just in case either of us needs to use another tool."
"Then it'll be available," Rika yawned.
"Need healing?"
"No," she assured, "But could you pass me a healing potion for later? Will save it for the boss fight."
"You sure you wanna join in on that?" I asked, "I don't want you overexerting yourself."
"I'm sure," she smiled weakly, resting her head on my shoulder, "just thinking the kind of cool stuff I could build with that [Queen Spider Fang]. Thinking..."
"A spear?" I guessed.
"Well that's obvious," Lis rolled her head, "thinking too like...what if I could pull out the venom sac...and apply that to another weapon?"
"Hmm," she thought to herself.
I said nothing, letting the blacksmith dream as she wished. Drawing out a potion, I gently placed it in her closest hand. Had at least twenty more, I stocked up just in case she needed it.
"Oo!" she exclaimed, "what if I shaved off the excess mass, then stuck the tip on the front of a shield?"
"Oh that'd be vicious," I blinked, "applying a stabbing effect to a bash AND poison?"
"I'm gonna try that for sure," she grinned, "ughhh if only I wasn't tired. I've gotta get that item."
"We'll get to that," I tried easing her, "remember, Klein'll come back for us. Or we'll move when you're ready."
"And if you're not ready," I coaxed, "I'll get it. Don't worry."
The blacksmith groaned, looking fairly frustrated with herself.
"I don't want to slow anyone down," she decried.
"You're not," I nudged, "you were doing great! Really, you watched my back out there."
"Mm," she shrugged, "thank you. I just feel a little weak."
"Well like I said," I repeated, "you're not."
Rika rested, looking a bit better. Wish I could've made her feel better, hate seeing her distressed.
"I hate those webs," she confessed, "It felt awful, being stuck there, helpless and all."
"Me too," I rolled the shoulder she rested on, "it's like you can't do a damn thing. At least I have such a long ranged weapon."
"You," I looked down, "don't have nearly as much range with that hammer. You've got it much worse."
Lis nodded, resetting her head's position on me. I better keep an eye out for any more of those web shooters. Couldn't risk her getting stuck like that.
"How's the shoulder feeling? Trying to angle it better for you."
"Hard," she mumbled, "but a nice kind. It's like a cushion."
Resting there, Lis focused on resting her weary body.
"You know something? I'd give this date a six out of ten."
"Huh?" she looked up at me.
"That first date we had was great," I smiled, "good food, nice place. Got to treat you like a princess..."
"Here?" I splayed a hand to the root covered ceiling, "team building's nice, but the scenery sucks!"
Lis giggled.
"You kidding?" she playfully barked, "the sticky webs alone bring this to a three for me!"
"True," I nodded, "fine we'll give it a four."
"Three," Lis teased.
"aaand it's a ten!"
"Nooo," she groaned, grabbing my arm.
"Three then," I conceded, feeling her lighten her grip.
We continued chatting, passing the time while she recovered.
After several minutes of resting, Lisbeth climbed back to her feet, brushing back her short brown hair.
"Alright," she stretched, "I can't stay still, gotta have that rare drop."
"You got it," I smiled back, joining beside her. "Pretty sure Klein and his guys are already through most of the rooms."
"Hopefully," Lis blinked, "I'd feel kinda bad if they had this many spiders to fight further in!"
As we descended further down the path, we noticed small white pods appearing along the walls of the tunnel. Cylindrical in form, the material was covered top to bottom in thick webbing.
"Eghhh," Lis grimaced, quickly hitting them with her mace!
They looked like nests of some sort, so I hacked others with my spare hatchet. Cutting open the cylinders, I watched as colorless balls plopped out of them, looking rather dense. I reached out, picking one of these up.
[Infertile Spider Egg]
[Uses: ?]
Huh, wonder if there's a use. I mean, they're sterile, so that meant they're not hatching right? Scooping others off the ground, the spheres felt almost sponge-like, squishing and inflating in my hands.
Lis I guess didn't notice, occupying herself with smashing the nests where they stood. I managed to gather twenty of these eggs, storing them for later as my hammer toting partner crushed the pillars of white.
I helped her mow through the rest, using my little hatchet to cut them down. Having greater strength, I managed to reach all the way down the tunnel. The last egg sack, however, stopped me dead in my tracks.
Unlike the others, this wasn't planted to the floor of the cave. Instead, a body acted as its support. Shriveled and pink, the human corpse's exterior matched that of a raisin, dried and wrinkly. The look upon its sunken face was of horror, its cheeks sunken and misshapen.
I grimaced, gazing at its dehydrated form. God, it's like they're using us as friggin fruit punch bags...reminded me why surrender isn't an option. It's things like this that make me cringe at the word. Every time some one or some group quits...this was the typical result.
No surrender, no questions.
A loud roar came from further inside the tunnel. Deep in pitch, it almost sounded like water out of a fire hose. The sound sent me back, to the day everything went down. I heard the screams, the cries for help...the gnashing of teeth. I shook my head, I couldn't afford these thoughts.
"Sounds like a good fight," I boasted, "hope the boss here can take a hit."
"Me too," Lis bumped me with her shoulder, "don't need you hogging all the attention."
The thoughts subsided, leaving me in peace. I had to focus on positive, funny things.
Moving down the dimly lit dirt tunnel, the loose soil steadily turned to stone. The gray rocky floor was stiff, condensed into wave patterns across the ground. The ceiling grew in height, the glowing mushrooms lighting our way getting larger, rivaling the size of beach umbrellas as we entered.
Stalactites hung from the ceiling, their tips as sharp as pikes. The pale green of the limestone glistened with moisture gathered from above. The green color of these formations reminded me of my month spent in Nishida's mountain.
Thinking about my poor friend, I knew I had to do something. Trapped in the body of a spider, he's alone...hopeless. There had to be something I could do to help him, or he'd surely go insane from isolation. Even if he wasn't the nicest to me, that wasn't a fate he deserved.
We soon rendezvoused with Klein, waiting just outside the mouth of the tunnel. He waved us over, looking still quite energetic.
"Was just about to getcha," the Samurai shrugged, "she comin with you?"
"Yup," Lis said firmly.
Klein splayed hands, nodding in agreement.
"Alright then," he cheered, "so we've got ourselves a Queen Spider, also known as [Nephila Regina]."
"Boss's got an attack pattern," he raised a finger, "so try to heed my warning, the Queen's finicky."
The conversation basically summed up to a few key things. First, this spider likes to kick and will twitch the active leg before starting. Jumping causes shockwaves, avoidable by jumping before it lands. It spits web too apparently, Lis absolutely loved hearing that.
So basically...it jumps, kicks, and spits, just like some sports fans. Pick up truck sized [Brood Guardians] like to pester anyone who dislikes their queen, like true fanboys. With that, we made our way down the last tunnel.
A massive circular antechamber awaited us. With a ceiling several stories tall, only the glow of distant stalactites lit the hanging darkness. A great nest of web was revealed, filling every crack of an upward shelf.
The ground was an illustrated battle of nature. Tree roots, well over six feet thick, punched through weaker sections of rock. Standing from the ceiling to the floor, these massive green roots served as twisted pillars.
"I see cover," I pointed.
"That's exactly what they're for," Klein nodded, "doesn't save you from shockwaves though."
Webs the size of school buses covered open patches of the floor and ceiling. With vines as thick as my arms, the trap had to be damn strong. I heard a clank, Lis putting her helmet back on. I followed suit, putting my attention back to the field.
As we moved in closer to the center, a loud gurgling hiss came from above. Something was emerging from the building sized web pocket above. So large, its shadow encompassed us.
Legs burst from the cocoon moon, escaping the white fiber confines with ease. Each hairy limb had to be the size of a tree, stretching out like a fan as they latched on to the rocky cave ceiling. My eyes widened as the beast appeared from the web. My God, this thing was bigger than semi-trucks!
Its body, it was a deep purple in color. Silver streaks ran across its back, flashing brightly in the mushroom generated light. The spider's many eyes glowed red, each the size of a fully grown man.
[Boss - Nephila Regina]
Song: Dark Souls OST - Centipede Demon
It dropped, crashing into the ground before us! The ground shook violently, dust and debris scattering in all directions. [Nephila Regina] appeared over the dust cloud frame, hissing as it leaned back.
Mother of God, this…was a monster. The damn thing's shadow could've covered the garage of my home...
"Garr," Klein ordered, "get ready! It's going to summon its body guards!"
Ironback readied, was still in shock from the sight of the eight legged behemoth standing before us. Just looking at the creature, I had flashbacks.
Images of Renee, screaming, crushed under the hoof of a demon PoH controlled. No, I couldn't let that happen again. The words barely formed, fear stricken by the memory.
The thought was interrupted by a hard tackle! Knocked off my feet, I yelled as I'm swiftly slammed against the floor. The armor on my back screeched as it scraped against stone, grinding against me.
Stumbling back, I was met with the drooling, jagged fangs of a [Brood Guardian]!
The red colored spider didn't stop, charging me again without mercy! I rolled to the side, only to be caught again with a glancing hit! I cried as my knees crashed into a nearby root.
Dust scattered as I rebound off the ancient plant, landing on my back. My HP in two hits, was already past 50%.
I growled, pushing myself back up. Readying Ironback, I put the [Ultra Greatsword] to my flank. I felt the ground shake, sending me stumbling! Looking back, oh crap! The Spider Queen was jumping, getting ready for a slam!
I snapped back to the [Brood Guardian], seeing more of them crawling out of the walls!
I couldn't let them reinforce, I had to engage. The first lunged for me, shrieking as its many legs propelled it forward! I swung the massive sword, careening its weight forward with a [Cleave]!
Ironback met my foe, emitting a loud crack as the weapon severed a leg! Scoring a critical, the tip of the blade dragged across its face, leaving a fist sized gash across half its eyes.
My HP rose past 80%, healed by the grievous injury! The spider screeched, calling its comrades as it flailed its stubbed front leg.
The red haired [Brood Guardians] converged, all four of their massive frames bearing down around me! Seeing another charge from the left, I jumped back in desperation!
I failed to dodge. The arachnid charged right through, jamming its curved fangs straight through my gut! As the pike like teeth dug, the iron of my armor gave way, piercing it like paper.
I gasped, mouth agape as I'm impaled upon the natural stakes. I felt my head slam against stone!
My helmet rang like a bell, absorbing the impact before flying off! The wind was knocked out of me, pressed between the tarantula's fangs and the hard cave walls! I groaned, my vision doubled from the crash.
Forcing myself back to focus, my HP flashed a bright red.
[Status Effect: Bleeding!]
With my sword pressed against the wall, it left me without a weapon to counter. My HP dipped below 10%, dripping further. What a stupid friggin way to die!
Panic ensued, scrambling to find a solution. Time was running out, The pikes rubbing against my very bones. Was this it? To die like a friggin rodent in some nameless cave!?
Growling, I leaned forward, tired of the burn of its teeth. Throwing my head forward, I utilized the last weapons I had...and bit down on the spider's face!
My teeth sunk into the soft facial hide of the beast, the canines gouging through flesh! It howled in agony, flailing as I dug them further, shrieking as it tried shoving me off! My heart raced, coaxing me to bite down harder!
The arachnid leaped back, freeing me from its hold. I groaned, my teeth pried from the fresh wound, the spears exiting my stomach. left on my knees, I released, leaving a gouge in one of its eyes.
My HP plummeted, denying death by mere seconds! Roaring in rage, I stomped to the closest of these red bitches! The nearest spider hissed, backing away as I lunged! Dropping a [Down Chop], there was no escape for the worthless bug!
"Lisbeth!" I shouted, "Need backup!"
3%, the bleeding blurring my vision. The sword hit its mark, causing the spider's shell to crack like an egg! Jamming half way through its hairy center, my HP jumped back over 10%!
Feeling my stomach seal, I grinned with utter delight! Ichor dripped from the crippling wound, splashing as I tore Ironback back! The steel squeaked as it left the dense husk.
One turned to blue dust, another spider jumping into the mosh pit of green! As it flew, Lisbeth swooped in from behind, hammer raised and ready!
A loud ring followed, the spider's head was left splattered from the blunt force! Pale green ichor sprayed all over my face as the her mace crashed! The flattened chunks vanished, my partner blocking the strike of another!
"Got one!" Lis called, "kill it!"
I swerved, crashing Ironback against the [Brood Guardian's] face with a [Down Chop]! A wet snap filled the air, my damage jumping my HP above 50%. I stumbled, the heavy blade crashing back to the dirt.
Cleaving through the rest of the guards, I was left at a comfortable 70%. So much for the Queen's best fighters. Lis nodded, motioning back to the boss!
I turned back, finding the Spider Queen swatting aside members of my team! The massive beast turned on Klein! A leg twitched, I had to stop it!
We rushed to Klein's side, raising my sword to protect him. [Nephila Regina] slammed a leg forward, the great limb rushing straight ahead! I held up Ironback, closing my eyes, coiling myself for the coming strike.
The tree sized limb struck me, hitting like an oncoming car! The steel screeched, sparks flying in all directions, blinding me with their orange brilliance. The force proved too great, sending me flying back like a bowling ball!
Landing several meters away, my back once again met the bone chilling cold of moist cave floors.
"It didn't have to end that way..."
Suddenly, I was back. The mud, the screams. The burning blue eyes, PoH, it was all back! I shook to the core, feeling as fragile as glass. I heard my name being called, I had to snap out of it!
Dazed, my flashback ended. I groaned, hobbling back to my feet. I couldn't let that happen again! My vision doubled, shrouding my status. I raised Ironback again, feeling its hefty metal fall on my shoulder as I clawed myself back to reality.
I lunged for the titanic creature, hollering at it, forcing it to pay attention! If that bitch laid even a hair on Lis, I would chew its eyes off!
The beast hissed, raising its front legs!
"Don't!" Klein shouted.
I charged regardless, throwing my sword back. As my vision cleared, I saw the Queen throw a punch! She wanted to go, I couldn't say no to a challenge! I swung wide, throwing a [Cleave] to maximize range.
Time slowed, our two attacks converging. The very hair of the limb brushed by, each as long as my wrist. The massive leg crossed, missing by mere inches! Ironback, however, didn't. The sword crashed against the thick piece, wobbling as it carved deep into the limb!
The sword swatted the tree sized leg aside, at the cost of my balance! As the hulking mass passed, the force of the blow brought me to my knees. I gasped, venting any air I could breath!
Jeez, even a glancing hit felt like the kick of a horse! Sweat ran down, my arms feeling torn from the attacks I've blocked. The air felt cold as my body shook, fatigue wrestling for control.
I felt something grab me from behind. Glancing back, I found Klein tugging me away.
"You can't keep this up," he warned, "you've taken too much!"
"No," I argued, wrestling him off as I returned to my feet.
"Garr," he barked, "don't! It'll kill you!"
His eyes locked to mine, demanding I stop.
"I can't," I answered, "I've already failed once. I can't do that again!"
I shrugged him off, charging the monstrous spider.
"Garr?!" Klein asked, following close after me.
My metal armor clacked with every step I made. Puddles splashed as I stomped by, spraying water in all directions. My boots scraped, pieces of dirt kicked away with my lunge.
[Nephila Regina] could bloat out the sun, it reminded me of everything. With dripping fangs the size of my body, I couldn't just let it go.
The spider pile drove Lis, sending her careening straight to a web wall! Snagged on the material, she screamed, stuck to the adhesive material.
The Queen Spider was captivated by her wails, closing in to eliminate her prey. Remembering the warning, Rika grabbed the hatchet, hacking desperately at the netting!
She needed time! I leaped, driving another [Down Chop] on its back! The mighty creature roared, feeling the greatsword drive through its abdomen. Stuck to its body, I continued wailing away, my slow but powerful strikes sent chunks scattering with resounding snaps!
The Spider Queen leaped, taking me along for the ride! Prying the weapon from its flesh, I was sent skyward, plummeting swiftly! Torn from its back, I screamed, the air rushing in the second I opened my mouth.
My sword hit the ground first, striking the surface with a loud clang. Crashing back to Earth, my entire body flashed with pain, throbbing as my bones met stone.
When I'm done with this, I'm getting a hot bath! I groaned, gasping as my mortal shell shook with grief. Looking up, the Spider turned its attention to me! I struggled, but I couldn't get up! Why couldn't I get up, dammit!
I gasped, crawling over to my sword. The thundering footsteps of the giant closed in behind me, very bad! I reached for my weapon, the light of the cave fading as I grabbed the tool.
The light was gone from my place, absorbed by [Nephila Regina]'s shadow.
The encompassing dark made my heart sink to the cold floor. The size of this monster...what was I even thinking? No, I had to protect her! Without a second's notice, a loud crash deafened my ears! A loud ringing filled my mind, rock chunks and dust scattering, revealing a pair of man sized fangs.
Crashing beside me, their blackened exterior shined like obsidian, punching through solid stone like a hammer!
My eyes widened! Oh God help me, save me from this awful place! My heart raced, scrambling to draw my sword. The second I pulled the handle, one of its legs punched the ground beside my arm!
I screamed, tears shedding as I rolled on my back. More legs drove into the ground, a thousand hammers crashing all around me, each missing by inches. My mind went black, the stray hairs brushing past me as the limbs slammed.
The air shifted, the spider's legs landing within inches of me! Rolling side to side, I lost all thought, led only by mindless instinct as I desperately dodged legs and teeth.
"Get away from him!"
Stomping boots, followed by loud cracks! The spider stopped attacking me, focusing on a new target, Rika! My maiden struck the tree sized limbs, slamming her mace wide like a sledge!
The beast was forced back, sliding its wounded front leg aside! Dragged off by the sweeping limb, the sword was pried from my hands! I snapped my hands forward, failing to retrieve. Unarmed, I flew into a show of panic.
I needed my sword back! Jumping up, I charged the creature, crouching low for the snatch!
The sounds of my heart racing were all I could hear. I wasn't gonna fail my friends again, not when I'm still here! I shouted in my head, I would slay the beast where it stood or die trying!
Using all the strength in my arm, I threw a fist for one of its eyes, the fist glowing with [Straight Punch]! Launching my weight into it, I had to hit something soft!
The fist jammed forward, squishing through an eye socket!
The soft tissue of the spider's many eyes gave way, making a squelching sound as my fist pushed through! Gritting my teeth, I held on as the spider shrieked, tossing its head side to side. I had her...I absolutely had her.
Gripping the hardest object inside, I pulled it back, throwing myself backwards at full force! Something inside made a wet squish as I tugged, coming undone in my very hands.
Falling to my back, my gaze was to the ceiling. I snapped my eyes back to my foe, [Nephila Regina] stumbled back, its front legs rubbing its now punctured eye socket.
I crawled forward, reaching for the idle Ironback. Still dug into the Queen's stomach, the blade seemed fixed. My mind flashed back to my first fight, my sword getting stuck in a tree. I heard shouts, the others attacking the spider while its stunned!
As the spider leaped further back, my sword came loose with a loud rip! Lifting the weapon back over my shoulder, I stumbled out of exhaustion, the sweat pouring down my face.
I tried charging, but was too tired to continue. I lurched, gasping for breath as the Spider Queen raised its legs. My chest heaved, my arms shaking violently. A cold sensation ran over me, an all too familiar feeling...I was nearly fainting!
Stepping forward, I nearly plummeted from fatigue. Just as I lurched though, I felt a hand hold me up. Glancing back, Rika was there. I smiled, she had my back.
Just as the beast lunged forward, Klein came to my rescue! A loud swish echoed throughout the cave, followed by silence. The monstrous queen flinched, its limbs falling off. The samurai scored a critical, severing the already wounded boss's legs like Jello.
[Nephila Regina] let out a deep sigh, plummeting to the ground with a loud thud! Its limbs went limp as the ground shook, its red eyes draining of color. The silver streaks flickered. I fell on my knees, breathing haggardly as the monstrosity crumpled before him.
Seconds after, the boss exploded into shard cloud of blue, leaving the cave vacant of its kind. Victory...damn straight! I cheered, laughing as the bastard turned into dust. Served it right!
[Boss Monster Slain]
Souls of Fire
15,000 Cor was my reward. With my total returning to roughly 55,000, the experience granted leveled me greatly.
Level 21, with a slew of new skills to compliment.
[Catapult]: the second swing after [Down Chop]. After said attack, I step forward, jerking the weapon overhead and behind myself. Sweet, a combo deal!
[Lunar Stab]: Performs an upward stab, capable of impaling foes. Seems combo-able with [Mass Driver]
I sighed with relief, easing myself to my knees. I looked back to Lisbeth, seeing her crouch down with me. With her helmet on, I couldn't tell her expression, but I could hear her breathing.
Her HP was roughly 60%, I quickly gave her another potion. She nodded, taking the potion gingerly.
"You alright?" I looked up to her, "I saw you get hit."
"Was gonna ask you," she crouched beside me, "you got trapped under that thing."
"I'm safe now," I smiled, "thanks to you."
"So what was that about me staying behind?"
I rested my head on her, trying to regain my strength. I felt her lean too, resting with me. The synergy between us, I craved it like a fine meal.
"Glad you didn't," I whispered, "we did it."
"Garr," Klein called.
Looking up to our party leader, I felt a bit guilty. I disobeyed his instruction, letting my stubborn attitude get in the way.
He smiled, grabbing me by the shoulder.
"You were phenomenal!" he cheered, "dude, you practically killed the boss on your own!"
I felt like a damn winner. If I've gotten that far, then soloing it was just a few steps away!
"Thank you," I cheered, "good job on finishing it. Was getting bored."
"Pfffft," Lis chuckled, "Hey Klein, got a [Queen Spider Fang]?"
Klein checked his earnings.
He shook his head. Lisbeth sighed, clearly disappointed by this failure.
"We'll get it next time," I assured, hugging her back.
"Besides," I grinned, "we've gotten much stronger from that. Did you level?"
"Yep," she nodded, "level 19 too."
"Sweet! We've got this."
The sound of incoming footsteps stopped us. I turned, a new group of players approaching. Led by a redhead clad in leather, their expressions were aggressive...unfriendly.
"Why hello there!" their leader chirped, "my, what strong men we've got here."
We stood there, looking at each other. Holding a Cross Spear in her hands, she leaned on one side.
"I'll make this clear," the redhead snapped, "we heard there's a rare drop. One of you two," she pointed to Lis and myself, "mentioned it."
"We didn't get one," I replied sternly, "sorry."
"Really?"
She smiled, putting the blunt end of her spear to the dirt.
"I think...you're lying," she said, "I don't like...liars."
A/N: What's clinging to you? :D If it's not an eight foot wide spider, then it doesn't apply!
Alright guys, feed meee. Reviews, follows, favorites, all are delicious treats for a FailtasticBelt! Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and You'll hear again from me within the week!